My 15 favorite places in Columbus Ohio are just the tip of the iceberg of everything there is to explore. This city is the capital and largest city of Ohio, known for its diverse culture, vibrant arts scene, and numerous restaurants and attractions.
Here are my 15 favorite places in Columbus Ohio…
1. Experience Columbus
Experience Columbus is the official tourism bureau and offers information on events, attractions, and more. There is a walking path nearby at McFerson Commons Park where you can see the Historic Columbus Union Station Arch. This arch is a historic landmark in Columbus that was once part of the Union Station train depot. You can visit Experience Columbus’ website for more tourist information.
2. The Columbus Museum of Art
This stunning art museum is situated in downtown Columbus, and showcases an assortment of American and European art, along with contemporary pieces. Operating days are from Tuesday to Sunday.
3. German Village
German Village is a historic neighborhood settled by German immigrants in the 19th century. It is renowned for its attractive brick houses, cobblestone streets, and cultural heritage. While there, visit the Book Loft, one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores with 32 rooms of books and a lovely garden. Indulge in a delightful meal at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, Katzinger’s Delicatessen, Pistacia Vera, or Stauf’s Coffee Roasters. Explore Schiller Park, a 23-acre park featuring a pond, fountain, playground, and a statue of German poet Friedrich Schiller. During the summer, the park also hosts outdoor theater performances by Actors’ Theatre of Columbus. Learn about the history and culture of German Village at the German Village Society Meeting Haus, which provides guided tours, exhibits, and events. Shop for unique gifts and souvenirs at boutiques and shops like Helen Winnemore’s, The Red Stable, or The Golden Hobby Shop. German Village offers a charming and diverse experience of Columbus.
4. John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons
Experience community at Columbus Commons, a 6-acre park in downtown Columbus showcasing gardens, a performance stage, carousel, interactive playground equipment, and two foodservice buildings. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
5&6. Columbus Metropolitan Library and Topiary Park
The Main library hosts a wide range of programs and events suitable for all ages. Next door Topiary Park is an exceptional destination showcasing a sculptured evergreen garden inspired by Georges Seurat’s masterpiece, “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte”. The park welcomes visitors every day from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
7. Short North
Short North is a lively neighborhood in Columbus is known for its art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. It’s an ideal destination for exploring on foot. Simply Rolled Ice Cream is a shop in the Short North neighborhood that serves freshly made ice cream with unique flavors.
8. Polaris Fashion Place
This beautiful mall boasts over 200 stores and restaurants. As you step foot inside you’ll be greeted by a grand entrance adorned with breathtaking architectural designs. Imagine strolling through the aisles of well-known fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada. The mall features a state-of-the-art cinema complex, where you can catch the latest blockbuster movies in plush, comfortable seating. For the little ones, there is a dedicated play area filled with interactive games and activities, ensuring they have a memorable time too. In addition to its incredible retail offerings, Polaris Fashion Place also hosts a variety of events and promotions throughout the year. From fashion shows and live performances to exclusive sales and pop-up shops, there is always something exciting happening.
9. COSI Center of Science and Industry
COSI Center of Science and Industry is a fantastic museum in downtown Columbus that offers interactive exhibits on science, technology, engineering, and math. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
10. Dublin, Ohio (a suburb of Columbus)
Attractions in nearby Dublin, Ohio include; Indian Run Falls which is surrounded by picturesque hiking trails. Nearby Hayden Falls Park boasts a waterfall cascading over 30 feet into a gorge. These waterfalls welcomes visitors every day from dawn to dusk. Also nearby is the Giant Corn Field: This artificial corn field features a grid design of giant corn stalks.
11. Express Kemba Live!
This music venue hosts concerts by popular artists throughout the year. You can check their website for upcoming shows and tickets.
12. Gates of Hell – Pit
Also known as the Gates to Hell and the Blood Bowl. The Pit (2754 N High St)is a perfect Halloween destination. It is a large concrete drainage area, at the end of a ravine located behind a Tim Horton’s. It is dangerous and spooky!
13. North Market
North Market is a vintage indoor marketplace in downtown Columbus, offering a variety of local vendors selling many delicious options. The market operates daily, except for Mondays. We enjoyed eating at the nearby Bareburger. This burger joint is committed to creating the tastiest burgers using local, organic, all natural & sustainable ingredients whenever possible. It is also vegan and gluten-free friendly.
14. The Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum
This interesting museum on the University of Ohio campus demonstrates the artistry of cartoons, comics, and graphic novels. Established in 1977, the museum is named after Billy Ireland, a famous political cartoonist who worked for the Columbus Dispatch. Today, it houses an extensive collection of cartoons, comics, and related artifacts that span over a hundred years of artistic creativity.
15. Ohio Village
Ohio Village is a charming and historically significant open-air museum. This unique attraction takes visitors back in time to the 19th century, allowing them to experience life in a recreated village setting. There are over 20 buildings, including a schoolhouse, a general store, a blacksmith shop, and even a working farm where you can interact with costumed interpreters who bring the village to life. The village also hosts a range of special events and programs throughout the year. My favorites include their Halloween and Christmas events!
I hope you enjoyed my 15 favorite places in Columbus Ohio! Enjoy!